Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account, not through the game itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft, and look for the "Your info" or "Profile" section. The username field is there — that is the name other players see when you join a server or multiplayer world.

If you have never set a username before, Microsoft will prompt you to create one the first time you try to join multiplayer. You can also change it anytime by going back to your account settings, as long as you follow Microsoft's rules about what names are allowed.

Console players on Xbox or Nintendo Switch use the same Microsoft account system, so changing your username in account settings changes it everywhere you play Minecraft.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username is set in your Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com, not in the game itself.
  • Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.
  • Microsoft blocks usernames that are offensive, impersonate real people, or match trademarked names, and you will see an error message if you try to use one.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully if you have recently made a change.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to use after you change it, so other players will not be able to find you by your previous name.

What characters and length are allowed

Minecraft usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or any other special characters — if you try to type them, the field will not accept them.

The system does not care about uppercase versus lowercase when checking if a name is taken. If someone has the username "SkyWalker", you cannot also use "skywalker" or "SKYWALKER" — they are treated as the same name. However, the capitalization you choose when you set it is what displays in the game.

Names Microsoft will reject

Microsoft has a filter that blocks certain usernames before you can save them. If you try to use a name that breaks their rules, you will see an error message saying the username is not available, even if no other player has it.

Blocked names include anything offensive or hateful, names that impersonate real people or celebrities, and names that match trademarked brands or products. Names that are too similar to Microsoft's own products (like "Xbox" or "Minecraft") are also blocked. The filter is automated, so you will know when ready if a name does not work — just try a different one.

If you believe a username was blocked by mistake, you can contact Microsoft Support through your account settings, but this is rare. In most cases, changing one or two letters or adding a number will get you past the filter.

The 30-day change limit

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, the system will tell you when you are allowed to change it again. This limit applies to your entire Microsoft account, so it affects all games and services that use your Microsoft login, not just Minecraft.

Plan your username choice carefully because you cannot change it again when ready. If you make a typo or choose a name you dislike, you will have to wait a month before you can switch to something else.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for another player to use. This means friends who knew your previous name will not find you if they search for it — they will need to know your new username or find you through their friends list.

Your game progress, skins, and worlds do not disappear. Everything stays tied to your Microsoft account. Only the name changes. If you are worried about friends losing track of you, tell them your new username before you change it, or make sure they have added you as a friend so they can find you through their friends list instead of by searching.

Changing your username on different platforms

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition both use the same Microsoft account system, so changing your username in account settings changes it on both versions. You do not need to change it separately for each one.

If you play on Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile, or console, the username is the same across all of them because they all connect to your Microsoft account. The only exception is if you own a very old Java Edition account that was created before Microsoft bought Minecraft — those accounts use a different system, but Microsoft has been migrating them to the new system for several years.

Troubleshooting username problems

If you cannot find the username field in your Microsoft account, make sure you are signed in and looking at the right section. Go to account.microsoft.com, select "Your info" or "Profile", and look for a field labeled "Username" or "Gamertag". If you see a field labeled "Display name", that is different — the username field is what Minecraft uses.

If a username you want is taken, the system will say "This username is not available" when you try to save it. You cannot see who owns it or put yourself on a waiting list. Your only option is to choose a different name. Adding numbers to the end, using underscores, or slightly changing the spelling are common ways to find a similar name that is still open.

If you are locked out of your Microsoft account or cannot remember your password, use the account recovery page at account.microsoft.com/security. You will need access to your recovery email or phone number to get back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or hyphens in my username?

No. Minecraft usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. If you try to type them, the field will reject them.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

The system will tell you it is not available. You cannot reserve a name or join a waiting list. Try adding numbers to the end, using an underscore, or slightly changing the spelling. Names become available when their owner changes their username or deletes their account.

Will my worlds and skins disappear if I change my username?

No. Your game progress, worlds, skins, and everything else stays with your Microsoft account. Only the name that displays in the game changes. Friends will need to know your new username to find you by search, but they can still see you in their friends list.

How often can I change my username?

Once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, the system will show you the date you can change it again. This limit is tied to your Microsoft account, so it affects all games and services that use your login.

Do I need to change my username differently on console?

No. Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation all use your Microsoft account for Minecraft, so changing your username in account settings at account.microsoft.com changes it on all platforms at once.